Houses 

This is "Houses", a painting by Theophrastos Triantafyllidis. At first glance, the canvas presents a collection of geometric shapes and architectural forms, mostly in whites and subdued earthy hues. Notice how the structures interlock, creating a play of light and shadow that defines the composition. The rough texture suggests a material presence of the houses, anchoring them in a tactile reality. Triantafyllidis engages with the formal language of early modernism, where the subject matter is often secondary to the exploration of form. In this work, the buildings become a study in contrasts and planes. The shadows, rendered in cool blues, create a stark contrast against the sun-drenched walls. Consider how the buildings become signifiers in a semiotic sense, representing shelter and community but simultaneously dissolving into abstract shapes. This dual existence challenges our conventional understanding of representation. The painting invites us to look beyond the surface, contemplating not just what is depicted but how it is depicted. The essence of art lies in its capacity to generate meaning through the interplay of form and content.